Count module



0t.11,1966 l. @.GUNST y 3,278,725

COUNT MODULE Io. GuNsT coUN'r MODULE Oct'. 11,1966

AFiled Aug. s1. 1962 5 Sheets-Shea*I 2 5J ,im ///4 Q. GUNST comul MODULEOct. 11, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 31, 1962 Oct. 11,1966

O. GUNST V COUNT MODULE 5 Sheer,s-Shee'fI 4 Filed Aug. 51. 1962 Oct. l1,1966 Filed Aug. 31. 1962 O. GUNST COUNT MODULE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 UnitedStates Patent O 3,278,725 COUNT MODULE Ole Gunst, Topanga, Calif.,assignor to Presin Co., Inc., Santa Monica, Calif., a corporation ofCalifornia Filed Aug. 31, 1962, Ser. No. 220,679

20 Claims. (Cl. 23S-92) This invention relates to an electromagneticcounter. More specically the invention relates to a count module havingapplication for counting, readout, printing and predetermination. Alsothe count module includes electrical means to provide reset and toeffect a transfer of information.

Most of the prior art devices have used a mechanical transfer betweencounting stages to actuate a second counter when a first counter hasreached a predetermined level. This necessitates a mechanicalinterrelationship between the count stages. Therefore, the counters ofthe prior art are usually designed as a single inclusive unit having anumber of digits equal to the largest number which is to be presented.Upon a breakdown of a single component the entire unit must be removedin order to service the counter. The present invention providesindividual count modules which can be easily replaced in the event of abreakdown. Also the transfer between stages is electrically interrelatedso as to eliminate mechanical coupling.

The invention incorporates in each count module complete structure tooperate as a single digit. Moreover, the individual count modules arevery slim in construction so as to displace less space than the countersof the prior art. An important contribution to the slender constructionof the count module is in the particular construction of a display wheelin combination with the actuating mechanism. The count module isdesigned to slide on rails as a plug in unit so as to eiiect an easyinsertion and removal.

The module includes a display wheel which may have a variety ofnumerical positions, for example l0, ll or l2 positions. Also thedisplay wheel incorporates means included within the structure of thewheel to determine when the wheel has gone through a predeterminedposition. For example, the wheel includes a continuous cam surface whichactuates a switch to provide particular functions. One function whichmay be effected by the cam surface is the provision of a reset of thewheel at a zero reading. This is accomplished by opening a switch todisconnect the applied power to the count module to stop the wheel atthe zero reading. The count module requires a particular period of timeto rotate from, for example, the nine position to the zero position. Inorder to insure a positive activation of the wheel to the zero position,the switch which disconnects the power is opened during the second halfof the period of time.

The count module also may have a second continuous cam surface includedin the wheel structure to close a second switch so as to provide atransfer of information from a rst module to a second module. Forexample, when the unit counts from nine to ten the rst module becomeszero and the closure of the switch activates the second module to theone position. The second switch closes only during the first half of theparticular period of time so as to insure only a single activation ofthe second module. The second continuous cam surface may also be used asa detent to prevent bounce in the wheel during rotation -from onediscrete position to another.

The count module of the present invention also includes a simplealigning means to properly position the display wheel when the counterunit is used in printing the information. When used as a printer thenumerals are raised and reversed in construction. It will be appreciatedthat when the counter unit is used as a printer ice each module must beat the same relative axial position so that the printed number has thesame intensity for all the digits of the number. The modules of thepresent invention provides this aligning by use of a screw slidearrangement incorporated in the side rails of the module.

The counter of the present invention is also designed to -operate athigher speeds than the counter of the prior art. For example, theoperating speed of each module may be in excess of 60 steps per secondand even higher speeds may be obtained by the use of special pulsingtechniques to the input terminals of the modules. The description andoperation of the count module and its relationship in a counting systemare further explained with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a top view of a first embodiment o-f an individual countmodule;

FIGURE 2 is a front view of the count module shown in FIGURE 1 andfurther illustrating the display of a numerical bit of information;

FIGURE 3 is an isometric view of a plurality of count modulesinterrelated to provide a counting unit;

FIGURE 4 is a detailed drawing of a means to provide an axial alignmentof the count modules;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the count moduleillustrating the internal components;

FIGURE 6 is a back view of the display wheel illustrated in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a top view of the count module illustrated in FIGURE 5showing the assembly of the internal components;

FIGURE 8 is a diagram illustrating the electrical connections in the rstembodiment of the count module;

FIGURE 9 is a detailed portion of a second embodiment of the countmodule; and

FIGURE 10 is a back View of the display wheel shown in FIGURE 9.

In FIGURE l an individual count module is generally designated as 10.The count module includes a pair of side rails 12 and 14. The side railsare designed to operate as support members and include V-shaped slots16, 18, 20 and 22 which are used in the axial alignment of the Icountmodule 10. A cover plate 24 is connected on one side at its four cornersto the side .rails and a second similar cover plate 25 illustrated inFIGURE 2 is connected on the other side. In this way a box structure isformed and all of the components of the count module are disposed withinthe box.

The side rails 12 and 14 are spaced from each other at one end to definean opening 26. A display wheel 28 slightly protrudes from the opening26. The wheel 28 carries various symbols displaced at periodiccircumferential positions along the periphery of the wheel. A terminalblock 30 is disposed at the other end of the side rails and includescontact pins 32. The contact pins 32 plug into a connector (not shown)to supply energy to activate the count module and also to transferinformation from the count module 10 to a second similar count module.

FIGURE 2 is a front view of the count module 10 illustrated in FIGURE lshowing the presentation of an Arabic numeral Zero by the wheel 28. Ascan be seen in FIGURE 2 the side rails 12 and 14 include extensions 34and 36. These extensions are used during the mounting of the individualcount modules into a count unit. This can be seen in more detail withreference to FIG- URE 3 wherein a plurality of count modules 10 areinterrelated to provide as indication of a ve digit number.

The individual count modules 10 are inserted between two plates 50 and52 which include grooves 54 and 56. The grooves cooperate with theextensions 34 and 36 of the count m-odule to form a slide path for thecount modules. As illustrated in FIGURE 3, the plates 50 and Ywalls ofthe V-shaped grooves 16 and 18.

52 are not connected together, but it will be appreciated that sidemembers may be provided so as to form a box structure to lock the entirecounter into an integral unit. The plates 50 and 52 include screw means58 and 60 which cooperate with the V-shaped grooves 16 and 18 of thecount modules 10 to lock the modules in place.

The screw means 58 and 60 also are used to provide an axial alignment ofthe count modules. When the modules are used for printing the wheel 28includes raised reversed numerals. Since the count modules 10 areindividually placed in a counter unit inaccuracies in the axialdirection are possible, and the plurality of wheels will not provide auniform printing of all the numerals. The screw means illustrated inFIGURE 4 provides the axial alignment necessary to ensure a uniformprinting of all the numerals. The screw members 58 and 60 are designedto contact opposite sides of the In this way, dependent upon therelative insertion of the screw mem-- bers 58 and 60, it is possible toprovide axial movement of the count module as illustrated by the arrow62. For example, if it is desired to move the count module to the rightthe screw member 60 would be inserted to a greater degree than the screwmember 58. This has the effect of moving the count module in a rightwarddirection.

FIGURE 5 illustrates an exploded view of the various c-omponentsincluded within the count module 10. The side rails 12 and 14 are shownto have the opening 26 at `one end, but are rigidly interconnected atthe other end by a structural member 100. The side rails plus the member100 form a single integral unit which is the basic support member in thecount module 10. The top cover plate 24 is disposed to one side of theside rails and the bottom cover plate 25 is disposed to the other side.The cover plate 25 has three outwardly extending pins 104, 106 and 108which are used during the operation of the count module as pivot points.The cover plate 25 also has various openings for clearance of particularcomponents and for providing appropriate mounting positions for othercomponents.

A laminated U-shaped member 110 is used to develop a magnetic fieldduring the operation of the count module. The member 110 has fouropenings 112, 114, 116 and 118 which cooperate with four openings 120,122, 124 and 126 in the cover plate 102. Rivet members (not shown) passthrough the openings in thecover plate and the member 110 to rivet themember 110 to the plate 102.

The U-shaped member 110 has two coil windings 128 and 130 disposedaround the legs of the member. Electrical energy is supplied to thecoils 128 and 130 so that the member 110 in cooperation with the coils128 and 130 operate as an electromagnet. The cover plate 25 is als-oprovided with openings 132 and 134 to clear the coils 128 and 130. Inthe same manner the cover plate 24 is also provided with openings 136and 138 to clear the coils 128 and 130. The terminal board 30 which ismounted at one end of the frame member has Contact pins 32 which receiveelectrical energy from a source in accordance with the information andthat energy is supl plied to the coils 128 and 130.

In mounting the member 110 to the plate 25, the structural member 100and a second member 140 are sandwiched in the middle. Accordingly themember 140 is provided with holes 142 and 144, and the structural member100 is provided with holes 146 and 148 so as to pass the connectingrivets. It will be noted the riveting of the various elements togetherprovides for a great degree of rigidity in the count module without theuse of heavy structural members.

In addition to p-roviding a mounting function the member 140 also shapesthe ymagnetic iield produced by the laminated member 110 to increase themagnetic coupling from the member 110l to an armature 150. The armature150 provides a reciprocating movement during the activation anddeactivation of the magnetic field. The member is -composed of magneticmaterial and is interrelated with the electromagnet to be attracted tothe ends of the member 110 during activation of the electromagnet. Anarm 152 is disposed around the center of the armature 150. The arm 152has an outwardly extending pin 154 which slides in a hole 156 includedin the member 140. The pin and hole guide the movement of the armatureto follow a predetermined path.

The arm lmember 152 is also coupled to a rotating follower arm 158 bythe use of the slot 160. The follower arm 158 has an extension 162 whichrotates in the slot 160 as the arm 152 is actuated in a reciprocalfashion by the electromagnet. The follower arm 158 is provided with ahole 164 which ts over the pin 106 in the plate 25 to contain therotational movement of the arm around a stationary pivot point. Themember 152 also includes a slot 166 which is designed to receive one endof a spring 168. The spring 168 biases the armature away from the endsof the member 110 and ts over the pin 104 on the cover plate 25.

The arm 158 includes a U-shaped segment having end portions 170 and 172.The end portions are thicker than the body of the follower arm 158. Theend portions 170 and 172 extend into the display wheel to cooperate witha star shaped structure 173 to provide a rotary movement of the wheel.The star shaped structure 173 is built up from a flat disc 174. Also arim 182 is disposed around the circumference of the disc 174. This typeof construction provides for a minimum width of the count module with amaximum size of a display number. This is because the rotationalactuation of the display wheel is accomplished within the space formedby the star shaped structure 173, the flat disc 174 and thecircumferential rim 182. The ends 170 and 172 of the U-shaped memberspush against the sloping sides of the star shaped structure 173 toimpart a discrete rotary movement to the wheel.

Two switch units 176 and 178 are also mounted on the cover plate 25. Theswitches .are used to provide the reset and transfer functions in thecount module. The switch 176 has an arm 180 extending from one of itscontacts so as to be actuated by a cam surface 183 included in the wheel28. The cam surface 183 is illustrated in FIGURE 6 as part of the outerrim 182. At one position along the rim `an outward extension 184 servesas a cam. The ar-m follows the cam surface 183 and upon contact with theoutward extension 184 the switch is opened. When the switch 176 is usedto provide a reset a series of pulses are applied to the electromagnetthrough a circuit including the switch in series. Also 4the 60 cycleline may be used to provide the pulsing signal. At an appropriateposition, for example, the second half of the period of time necessaryto rotate from the nine to the zero position of the wheel 28, the switch176 is opened by the camming action of the outward extension 184 and thepulse signal is disconnected from the electromagnet.

The switch member 178 also includes la similar arm 186 extending fromone of its contact members to provide a closing of the switch 178 at anappropriate position. Again with reference to FIGURE 6, the wheel 28includes an irregularly shaped star lmember 188 extending from the Hatdisc 174 and surrounding the center of the wheel. The irregularly shapedportions 190 of the member 188 cooperate with the arm 186 to form adetent. The detent serves -to provide a resilient locking of `the wheel28 at its discrete rotational positions. For example, if the wheel ismoved from a first position to a second position the end of the element186 falls in between the points of the star to resiliently hold thewheel in that position. The detent helps to eliminate bounce as thewheel rotates and provides for a more positive action in rotatingbetween the discrete positions along ythe wheel.

The mem-ber 188 has one point of the star designated as 192 extendingbeyond all the other points. The extension 192 operates as a cam toactuate the element 186 of the switch 178 to close the switch at anappropriate position during the rotation of the wheel 28. For example,the switch 178 can transfer information from a rst count module to asecond count module to move the second count module one position eachtime the first count module counts to ten. The switch 178 preferably isclosed only during the first half of the time required for the countmodule to go from a nine position to a ten position. This switch 178therefore provides for serial counting |by the unit without thenecessity of mechanical transfer elements. It will be noted that thearms 180 and 186 are designed to extend into the space defined by thestar -shaped segment 190, the disc 174 and the rim 182. This also helpsto minimize lthe overall width of the count module.

FIGURE 7 shows the interrlationship ofthe components illustrated inFIGURE 6. FIGURE 8 illustrates the electrical connections in the countmodule illustrated in FIGURE 7.

With reference to FIGURE 8 the input to the electromagnetic actuatingdevice is through the contact pins 200 and 202 to the coils 128 and 130.The coils are connected as series aiding so as to provide the maximumflux density from the electrical input with a minimum width of the countmodule. As shown in FIGURE 7 the normal position of the armature 150 isas illustrated by the solid line. The armature is maintained in this-position by the spring 168. Upon the appearance `of an input signal tothe elec- -tromagnet, the armature 150 is attracted to t-he electro.-magnet to produce a clockwise rotation of the follower arm 158. The newposition of the armature and follower arm is shown 'by the dotted line.It will ybe noted that the end 170 of the arm 158 pushes against thesloping wall of the star 173 to produce a clockwise rotation of thewheel 28.

When the armature 150 is released the arm 158 pivots in acounterclockwise direction to have the end 172 continue to pu-s-h thestar 173 in a clockwise direction to complete a cycle. The wheel 28 istherefore moved in discrete clockwise steps as the sections 170 and 172alternately push against the start shaped portion 173. Although the arm158 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, the movement of the wheel isalways clockwise. It will be appreciated that the whole mechanism can bereversed so as to have a counterclockwise rotation of the wheel 28..

During appropriate rota-tional positions of the wheel y28 the switches176 and 178 have an operational effect. As illustrated n FIGURE 8 theswitch 176 is used t-o reset the count module to, for example, a zeroreading. A continuous series of pulses are applied as an input signalacross the -contacts 202 and 204. The wheel then rotates until the zeroposition is approached. At this time the member 180 of the switch 176 isactuated to open lthe switch 176 to disconnect the input to the coils128 and 130.

The switch 178 may also be designed to close at approximately the sametime the switch 176 is opened. The switch 178 therefore provides aclosed circuit between a pair of contact pins 206 and 208. Circuitry canthen be incorporated with the contact pins 206 and 208 to provide asingle pulse to a second count module to rotate the second count moduleone position. Actually, the transfer switch 178 is cio-sed during thefirst half of the cycling time to move one position and the reset switch176 is opened during the second half.

FIGURE 9 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention. Componentswhich are similar to components illustrated with reference to the firstembodiment are given similar reference characters. A wheel 300 isrotated by the follower arm 158 through the star shaped member 173 inthe same manner as illustrated in FIGURE 7. FIG- URE 10 illustrates theother side of the wheel 300 showing a cam surf-ace 183 having an outwardextension 184 Ito activate switch 176. This construction is similar tothat shown in FIGURE 7. The embodiment of FIGURES 9 and l0, however,incorporates a separate member to provide a detent during the operationof the count module. This detent includes a jagged inner rim 302 on thewheel 300. The rim 302 cooperates with a detent member 304 which extendsfrom the bottom plate 25. The use of a detent is important for manyreasons. For example, during rotation of the wheel 300 the wheel sometimes tends to stick in a particular position. The detent activelyforces the wheel to stop at discrete positions and therefore preventsthis sticking. Also the detent minimizes bounce during rotation byresiliently locking the wheel at the discre-te positions. It will benoted that the first embodiment of the invention as illustrated inFIGURE 6 also provides a detent action by the use of the arm 186 ridingagainst the member 188.

Although this application has been disclosed `with rererence toparticular embodiments, it will be appreciated to those skilled in theart that other adaptions and modificationsmay be made and the inventionis only to be limited by t-he appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination for use with a count module, an indicator wheelincluding,

a flat circular member having a central opening,

a cylindrical member disposed around the periphery of the at circularmember and extending from at least one side of the fiat circular member,

the cylindrical member including an outer peripheral portion containingsymlbolic information at periodic circumferential positions around themember,

means disposed on one side of the flat circular member and surroundingthe central opening for providing `a rotational movement of the Wheelmember around the central opening, and

means disposed on the other side of the flat circular member forproviding a detent to position the wheel at discrete intervals as theWheel rotates,

the last mentioned means including a camming device at one p-osition ofthe detent.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the means for providing -a detentincludes an irregular circular star shaped member, and the cammingdevice is one point of the star shaped member of a greater size than theremaining points of the star shaped member.

3. In combination for use with a count module, an indicator wheelincluding,

a flat circular member having a central opening,

a cylindrical member disposed around the periphery of the flat circularmember and extending from the flat circular member,

the cylindrical member including an outer peripheral portion containingsymlbolic information at periodic circumferential positions along themember,

means disposed on one side .of the at circular member -and surroundingthe central opening for .providing a rotational movement of the wheelmember about the central opening,

means disposed on the other side of the flat circular member andsurrounding the central opening for providing a detent to position thewheel at discrete intervals as the wheel rotates,

the last mentioned means including a first camming device at aparticular position of the detent, and

means disposed on the cylindrical member for providing a second cammingdevice at a particular rotational position of the wheel.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein the means for providing a detentincludes an irregular circula-r star shaped member, andthe first cammingdevice is one point of the star shaped member -of a greater size thanthe remaining points of the star shaped ember.

5. The combination of claim 3 wherein the second camming device is araised portion along 4the inner periphery of the cylindrical member.

6. In combination with a count module, means for providing an axialalignment of the module including,

an elongated side member for providing a support of various componentsincluded within the count module,

the elongated side member including V-shaped cut out portions atrselected positions at the outer edge of the side member,

means operatively coupled to the side member for slideably receiving theside member,

the last mentioned means including a plurality of openings located alongthe slide path of the side member with each opening corresponding t-o aparticular V-shaped cut-out portion of the side member, and

screw means disposed within the openings and engaging the V-shapedcut-out portions to provide an axial movement of the side member inaccordance with the depth of insertion of the screw means.

7. In combination for use with a count module, an indicator wheel andswitch means including,

a circular wheel member having a central opening and including a flatcircular member having an outer rim containing symbolic information atperiodic circumferential positions extending from the flat circularmember,

the wheel member further including a cam surface disposed as acontinuous circular path inside the space dened by the inner surface ofthe outer rim and having an outwardly extending portion at a particularlocation on the cam surface,

means disposed relative to the wheel memiber for pro- 'viding `arotational movement of the wheel member about the central opening, and

switch means disposed relative to the wheel member and including an armmember to activate the switch means,

the arm member of the switch means operatively coupled to the camsurface of the wheel member to activate the switch in a particulardirection Yupon the appearance of the outwardly extending portion alongthe cam surface during rotation of the wheel member.

8. In combination for use with a count module, an

indicator wheel and switch means including,

a circular wheel member having a central opening and including :an outerperipheral portion containing symbolic information at periodiccircumferential positions,

the wheel member further including a circular star shaped portiondisposed around the central opening and having one particular point ofthe star extending outwardly at a greater distance than the other pointsof the star,

means disposed relative to the wheel member for provid'ing a rotationalmovement of the wheel memibcr about the central opening, and

switch means disposed relative to the wheel member and including an armmember to activate the switch means,

the arm member of the switch means operatively coupled to the starshaped portion of the wheel member to provide a detent for the wheelmember as the wheel rotates and to provide an activation of the switchmeans upon the appearance of the one particular point of the star duringrotation of the wheel.

9. In combination for use with a count module, an

indicator wheel and switch means including,

a -circular wheel member having a central opening and including a flatcircular member having an outer rim containing symbolic information atperiodic circumferential positions extending from the flat circularmember,

the wheel member further including a pair of cam surfaces disposed ascontinuous circular paths inside the space dened by the inner surface ofthe outer rim and with each cam surface having an outwardly extendingportion at a particular location,

means disposed relative to the wheel member for providing a rotationalmovement of the wheel member about the central opening,

first `switch means disposed relative to the wheel member andoperatively coupled to one of the pair of cam surfaces for activatingthe switch means upon the appearance of the outwardly extending portion,and

second switch means disposed relative to the wheel member andoperatively coupled to the other of the pair of cam surfaces foractivating the switch means upon the appearance of the outwardlyextending portion.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein the rst switch means is normallyclosed and is activated to be opened by the one cam lsurface to operateas a reset mechanism so as to stop the rotation of the wheel member atthe particular location of the ycam surface.

11. The combination of claim 9 wherein the second switch means isnormally open and is activated to be closed by the other cam surface tooperate as a transfer mechanism when the cam surface passes theparticular locati-on during rotation of the wheel.

12. The combination of claim 9 wherein one of the cam surfaces isirregularly shaped so as to cooperate with the switch means to produce adetent `operation during rotation of the wheel.

13. A count module including,

a pair of elongated side members having a rigid con* nection between theside members at one end and an opening at the other end,

a pair of plate members operatively coupled to opposite sides of theside members to enclose a space defined by the inner surfaces of theplate members and side members,

a solenoid structure disposed relative to the plate and side member-swithin the enclosed space,

a -circular wheel member disposed within the enclosed space and having aparticular portion of the periphery of the wheel extending into theopening at the other end of the side members, the circular wheel memberincluding a flat circular member having an outer rim extending from theat circular member and including an actuating portion extending from aninner surface portion of the flat circular member, and

an actuating arm operatively coupled to the solenoid and to theactuating portion included in the wheel in the space defined by the fiatcircular member the outer rim and the actuating portion providing arota- -tion of the wheel in accordance with the operation of thesolenoid.

14. A count module for use in displaying symbolic information,including,

an electromagnetic actuator responsive to the information for providinga movement of the electromagnetic actuator in accordance with theinformation,

a wheel member disposed relative to the electromagnetic actuator andincluding a at circular me-mber having an outer rim extending from theat circular member with a continuous cam surface having an actuatingportion at a particular location along theV cam surface within the spacedefined by the inner surface of the outer rim,

an arm member operatively coupled to the electromagnetic actuator and tothe wheel and responsive to the movement of the electromagnetic actuatorto provide a rotation of the wheel, and

a switch means disposed relative to the wheel member and including amember operatively coupled to the cam surface to provide an operation ofthe appearance of the actuating portion along the cam surface.

15. A count module for use in displaying symbolic information,including,

ins,

an indicator wheel having a circular star yshaped hub portion and alsoincluding a continuously irregular shaped surface for operation as adetent,

an electromagnetic member responsive to the information for producing apulsating magnetic eld in accordance with the characteristics of theinformation,

an armat-ure member disposed relative to the electromagnetic member andresponsive to the pulsating magnetic field for providing a movement ofthe armature member in accordance with the pulsations of the magneticfield,

means operatively coupled to the star shaped hub portion of the wheeland t-o the armature member flor translating the movement of thearmature member into a rotational movement of the wheel, and

means operatively coupled to the detent surface included within thewheel member to provide a resilient locking of the wheel member atdiscrete positions as the wheel rota-tes.

16. A count module forvuse in displaying .symbolic informationincluding,

a display wheel having a central hub portion and including an irregularcircular star shaped portion having one particular point of the staroutwardly extending at a distance diiferent than the other poin-ts,

an electromagnetic member responsive to the information for producing amagnetic fiel-d in accordance with the characteristics of theinformation,

lan armature disposed relative to the electromagnetic member andoperatively coupled to the central hub portion of the display wheel forproviding a rotational movement of the ydisplay wheel in accordance withthe information, and

a switch means disposed relative to the display wheel and including aresi-lient 'arm member operatively coupled to the star -shaped portionof the wheel for providing activation of the switch during the oneparticular point of the `star and for providing a resilient locking ofthe wheel at dis-crete positions corresponding to the other points 'ofthe st-ar.

17. A display wheel for use in a count module includ- .a hub portionhaving a central opening,

'a at circular member exten-ding from the hub portion,

:a cylindrical outer section disposed around and extending from the ilatmember and having symbolic information displaced -at periodic positionson the outside periphery,

a circular Istar Ashaped portion disposed on one side of the flatcircular member and extending from the hub portion, and

ya continuous cam surface disposed within the space defined by the innersurface of the cylindrical outer section and having 'an outwardlyextending portion at one particular location.

18. The display wheel of claim 17 wherein the continuous cam surfaceadditionally has irregularly placed indentations to function as adetent.

19. The display wheel of claim 17 additionally including a `secondcontinuous cam surface having an outwardly extending portion at a secondparticular location.

20. A count module for use in displaying symbolic information,including,

an electromagnetic actuator responsive to the information for providinga movement of the electromagnetic actuator in accordance with theinformation,

`the electromagnetic actuator including,

a U-shaped magnetic core having a pair of series connected coil-scoupled to the information wound on the two extending legs formed by theU-shaped core,

an armature member disposed relative to the open end of the U-shapedmagnetic core for providing a movement of the armature member inresponse to the information coupled to the pair of coils, -and a displayWheel including a flat circular member and a cylindrical rim extendingfrom the at circular member disposed relative to the electromagneticactuator and -operatively coupled to the armature member through amember disposed within the `space defined by the inner surface of -thecylindrical rim for providing a rotation of the wheel in response tomovements of the armature.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,554,283 9/1925Kern 235-131 1,641,199 9/1927 Roucka 235-92 2,295,968 9/1942 Poole c23S-132 2,973,145 2/1961 Daniels et al 235-132 2,998,188 8/1961 Mast etal 235--92 3,023,957 3/1962 Goodman 23S-92 MAYNARD R. WILBUR, PrimaryExaminer. MALCOLM A. MORRISON, Examiner.

I. F. MILLER, Assistant Examiner.

1. IN COMBINATION FOR USE WITH A COUNT MODULE, AN INDICATOR WHEELINCLUDING, A FLAT CIRCULAR MEMBER HAVING A CENTRAL OPENING, ACYLINDRICAL MEMBER DISPOSED AROUND THE PERIPHERY OF THE FLAT CIRCULARMEMBER AND EXTENDING FROM AT LEAST ONE SIDE OF THE FLAT CIRCULAR MEMBER,THE CYLINDRICAL MEMBER INCLUDING AN OUTER PERIPHERAL PORTION CONTAININGSYMBOLIC INFORMATION AT PERIODIC CIRCUMFERENTIAL POSITIONS AROUND THEMEMBER, MEANS DISPOSED ON ONE SIDE OF THE FLAT CIRCULAR MEMBER ANDSURROUNDING THE CENTRAL OPENING FOR PROVIDING A ROTATIONAL MOVEMENT OFTHE WHEEL MEMBER AROUND THE CENTRAL OPENING, AND MEANS DISPOSED ON THEOTHER SIDE OF THE FLAT CIRCULAR MEMBER FOR PROVIDING A DETENT TOPOSITION THE WHEEL AT DISCRETE INTERVALS AS THE WHEEL ROTATES, THE LASTMENTIONED MEANS INCLUDING A CAMMING DEVICE AT ONE POSITION OF THEDETENT.